President Peter Mutharika has pardoned 222 convicted prisoners and granted a general amnesty of nine months to qualified inmates across Malawi’s prisons. The move is part of Christmas and New Year festive season celebrations.
According to a statement signed by Linda Moyo on behalf of the Secretary for Homeland Security, the pardons apply to prisoners who have served half of their sentences, the elderly, females, and the chronically ill.
The statement says the General Amnesty will reduce sentences by nine months, leading to a 15% reduction in the prison population (2,640 inmates). It excludes those with relapsed criminal behavior or convicted of serious crimes like murder, rape, and trafficking.
Victor Mhango of the Centre for Human Rights Education Advice and Assistance welcomed the move, saying it’s a step towards addressing overcrowding and improving prison conditions. He expects long-term reforms to follow.
The country’s prisons currently house about 15,000 prisoners.
